Valentine’s Day Getaway Destinations In Minnesota

February 2, 2013 7:00 AM

Don’t let any cold weather stop you and your sweetheart from celebrating Valentine’s Day in style this year. Minnesota may not always seem like the most romantic place on the map, but the state has plenty of charming historic inns, adorable bed and breakfasts and unique locations. Sure, the temperatures may be cool, but these five locations provide a mix of sweet, steamy or exotic fun for your romantic Valentine’s Day getaway.

Originally built in 1867, The Historic Afton House Inn combines old world charm with a modern elegance. The inn features 46 romantic hotel rooms, many of which have jacuzzi bath tubs, fireplaces and balconies overlooking the St. Croix River. Each room is decorated in a unique fashion, and all of the rooms are adorned in what the website calls an “antique ambiance.” The inn has several fine dining options and two special events around Valentine’s Day. The first of those events is on Feb. 8, 2013, when a four-course dinner will be served with four types of wine. It’s called the Four-Course Sweet Heart Wine Dinner Event, and the cost is $49.95 per person. The second event is a dance retreat scheduled to take place on Feb. 22, 2013, and features dance lessons and a three-course dinner. Visit the inn’s events page for more information about both events.

Grandma’s Inn, located in historic Lanesboro, is the perfect bed and breakfast for your romantic getaway. Originally built in 1895, Grandma’s Inn provides romance packages that include champagne, flowers and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The inn is located near the beautiful Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway and the Root River Valley, so there are plenty of outdoor activities available, even in the winter months. In addition, the bed and breakfast is within walking distance of all the local and historic shops and restaurants of Lanesboro.

Birdwing Spa is situated on 300 acres made up of lakeshore, prairie land, ponds, fountains and paths. The romantic getaway offers something for everyone. For those who wish to relax, the spa offers couple’s massages, body wraps and mud facials. For the more active couple, consider snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or hiking. Yoga classes also are available. The spa offers all-inclusive couple’s packages which include romantic accommodations and two-person jacuzzis. For more information about pricing, visit the Birdwing Spa website.

Looking for a budget-friendly romantic evening away from home? Consider checking out The Depot Ice Rink in Minneapolis. According to the website, the rink has been named among the top 10 places in the United States to ice skate by USA Today and MSNBC. In the past, The Depot was home to a train shed, but today, it’s filled with a romantic skating rink. The rink is unique because it’s built with glass walls, which help to keep skaters warm while allowing them to feel like they are outside. In addition, The Depot offers beer, wine, coffee and hot chocolate. After you are done skating, finish your night off with a trip to one of the numerous local restaurants or bars. Visit the The Depot Ice Rink webpage for more information.

This 24-room boutique hotel is uniquely situated on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River. The inn’s website guarantees an opulent and luxurious stay, perfect for a romantic escape. Several romantic packages are available for visitors, including bed and brunch packages, wine lovers’ packages and deluxe island getaway packages. In addition, an Ultimate Romance Package is available, which includes a one-night stay, a bottle of champagne, a floral arrangement, breakfast in bed, robes to take home and a five-course dinner with wine for two. In between romantic meals, visitors to the inn can visit the local shops and spas near the Nicollet Island Inn.

Kristyn Gansen is a freelance writer covering all things Minneapolis. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.